U.S. President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum withdrawing the United States from 31 UN subsidiary bodies and 35 non-UN organizations.
According to the White House on the Tuesday, President Trump signed the memorandum directing the U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations that “no longer serve America’s interests.”
Consequently, funding from all executive branch departments and agencies to the 35 non-UN organizations and 31 UN subsidiary bodies will be suspended.
The White House did not specify which organizations President Trump signed to withdraw from but explained, “Many of these organizations promote radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs that clash with America’s sovereignty and economic capabilities.”
It appears to refer to the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others, from which withdrawal procedures have been underway since shortly after President Trump took office. The Trump administration had also decided to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and UNESCO, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
The White House stated, “These organizations operate in ways that contradict America’s national interests, security, economic prosperity, and sovereignty,” adding, “All government departments and agencies must cease participation in and funding to these organizations.”
It continued, “American taxpayers have contributed tens of billions of dollars to these organizations, yet their achievements have been minimal. These organizations often criticize U.S. policies, pursue agendas contrary to our values, or fail to produce tangible results on critical issues, wasting taxpayer money.” It added, “By withdrawing from these organizations, President Trump will save taxpayer funds and redirect those resources toward America-first priorities.”
